"world-news"

A long-hidden Rubens Crucifixion painting, mis-attributed for centuries and valued at only US$10,000, was authenticated by experts and sold in Versailles for US$2.3 million after scientific analysis confirmed pigments and provenance tracing back to William Bouguereau’s collection

A huge fire swept through Hong Kong’s Wang Fuk Court, killing 55 people and injuring many others. Over 200 remain missing. The blaze spread quickly due to renovation materials, and rescue teams are still working to control the fire and find survivors

A Dhaka court sentenced former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to 21 years in jail and her two children to five years each for alleged corruption in a government housing project. The ruling follows political upheaval and earlier serious charges against her

A Pakistani woman lost at age 10 was reunited with her family after 17 years, thanks to AI facial recognition used by the Safe City Project. Kiran, raised at the Edhi shelter in Karachi, was finally traced to her father through an old police report

A major fire broke out in a high-rise housing complex in Hong Kong’s Tai Po district, killing four people and injuring three. The blaze spread quickly through bamboo scaffolding, trapping residents as firefighters worked to control the intense flames

The IMF says Pakistan’s economic problems come mainly from corruption, weak institutions and powerful groups controlling the system. Everyday people suffer while elites benefit. The report warns that without honest accountability and major reforms, the country will stay in crisis

Brazil’s federal police arrested former President Jair Bolsonaro ahead of his 27-year prison sentence for leading a coup attempt. Bolsonaro was moved from house arrest, sparking weekend protests, while remaining a key political figure and Trump ally despite ineligibility to run

European leaders are meeting in South Africa to discuss alternatives to a US plan that Ukraine and Europe fear favours Russia. As Kyiv rejects territorial concessions, EU leaders reaffirm support, while Ukraine continues drone strikes and Russia reports widespread air-defence activity

Prime Minister Modi briefly met Italian PM Giorgia Meloni at the G20 Summit in South Africa. Their warm exchange reflected the growing friendship between India and Italy, strengthened through recent meetings, personal messages, and mutual admiration shown in public statements.

A 5.7-magnitude earthquake in Bangladesh killed 10 people and injured over 200. Sheikh Hasina expressed deep sorrow and blamed the interim government for poor response. Buildings cracked, people panicked, and several students were hurt while trying to escape

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar inaugurated Indian consulates in Yekaterinburg and Kazan, Russia, enhancing diplomatic presence, supporting trade, technology, education, and cultural ties. The consulates will benefit the Indian diaspora, students, and aim to strengthen India-Russia cooperation toward $100 billion trade by 2030

Pakistan’s judicial crisis escalates as Lahore High Court Justice Shams Mehmood Mirza resigns after the 27th Amendment establishes a Federal Constitutional Court and reduces Supreme Court powers. Resignations highlight fears of executive control, with ICJ condemning the amendment as a judicial attack

Donald Trump says he will sue the BBC for up to $5 billion, accusing it of misleadingly editing his January 6 speech in a 2024 documentary. The BBC apologised and admitted the edit created a false impression, but it refuses to pay compensation

Anti-war and anti-base groups from Okinawa held a seminar in Tokyo to oppose Japan’s growing military build-up. Leaders and citizens warned that Okinawa and nearby islands risk becoming frontlines in a conflict, urging the government to prevent further militarisation and protect civilians

Afghanistan is increasing trade through Iran and Central Asia as tensions with Pakistan close key borders. Chabahar port is helping Afghan traders avoid delays. The shutdown has caused major losses, especially for perishable goods and dried fruit exporters

A fire at a perfume depot in Türkiye’s Kocaeli province killed six people and injured one. The blaze, which started after reported explosions, was brought under control within an hour. Officials say the cause is still under investigation

Israel returned 15 Palestinian bodies to Gaza under a US-brokered ceasefire after receiving the remains of Israeli hostage Lior Rudaeff. Gaza hospitals face difficulties identifying bodies, while UN officials say aid deliveries to Gaza remain far below urgent needs

Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal said the India-New Zealand free trade agreement will boost trade, investments, and jobs. Both countries aim to collaborate in sectors like defence, education, tourism, and aerospace, reflecting closer ties and shared focus on inclusive, sustainable development

The US government shutdown enters its second month, delaying SNAP food assistance and causing health insurance costs to rise. Federal workers remain unpaid, air travel faces delays, and partisan deadlock in Congress leaves millions of Americans struggling with basic needs.

Barack Obama will campaign in Virginia and New Jersey to support Democratic governor candidates Abigail Spanberger and Mikie Sherrill. The rallies come as early tests of voter sentiment under Donald Trump’s second presidency, with key races set for Tuesday